ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

EXPERIMENT 2

FREE & FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER

1.0 OBJECTIVES
1.1. To demonstrate the relationship between power input and surface
temperature in free convection.
1.2 To demonstrate the relationship between velocity and surface temperature in
forced convection

2.0. EQUIPMENTS/APARRATUS

Heat transfer by simultaneous conduction and convection, whether free or

forced, forms the basis of most industrial heat exchangers and related equipment.
The measurement and prediction of heat transfer coefficients for such circumstances
is achieved in the Free & Forced Convection Heat Exchanger by studying the
temperature profiles and heat flux in an air duct with associated flat and extended
transfer surfaces. The vertical duct is so constructed that the air temperature and
velocity can be readily measured, and a variety of plug-in modules of heated solid
surfaces of known dimensions can be presented to the air stream for detailed study.
A fan situated at the top of the duct provides the air stream for forced convection
experiments.

A Control Panel contains temperature measurement, power control, and fan

speed control circuits with appropriate instrumentation. Temperature measurement,
to a resolution of 0.1oC is effected using RTD sensors with direct digital read-out in
0
C.

Air velocity is measured with portable anemometer mounted on the duct. The
power control circuit provides a continuously variable, electrical output of 0-100 watts
with a direct read-out in watts.

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 ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Fan/Blower
Temperature Selector

Power controller

Heated Surface Heater Switch

Fan controller
Anemometer

Main Switch

Figure 3: Unit Assembly

2.1. Specifications
An array of fins (finned heat sink) - Material: Brass

3.0 INTRODUCTION & THEORY

3.1. Free Convection

A heated surface dissipates heat primarily through a process called

convection. Heat is also dissipated by conduction and radiation, however these
effects are not considered in this experiment. Air in contact with the hot surface is
heated by the surface and rises due to a reduction in density. The heated air is
replaced by cooler air which is in turn heated by the surface and rises. This process
is called free convection.
The hotter the temperature of the surface, the greater the convective currents and
more heat (power) will be dissipated. If more power is supplied to a surface, the
temperature of the surface must rise to dissipate this power.

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Watts

tH - tA
Figure 1: Typical graph of power against surface temperature

3.2. Forced Convection

In free convection the heat transfer rate from the surface is limited by the small
movements of air generated by this heat. More heat is transferred if the air velocity is
increased over the heated surface. This process of assisting the movement of air
over the heated surface is called Forced Convection. Therefore a heated surface
experiencing forced convection will have a lower surface temperature than that of the
same surface in free convection, for the same power input.

m/s

Figure 2: Typical graph of air velocity against surface temperature

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

4.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

4.1. To demonstrate the relationship between power input and surface

temperature in free convection.

W a ttm e te r (Q )

P la t e S e n s o r

T e m p e r a t u r e I n d ic a t o r

H e a te r

P ro b e
Sensor

1. Remove the fan assembly from the top of the duct

2. Place the finned heat exchanger into the test duct
3. Record the ambient air temperature (tA)
4. Set the heater power control to 20 Watts (clockwise).
5. Allow sufficient time to achieve steady state conditions before noting the
heated plate temperature (tH) into Experimental data sheet in the Table 1.
6. Repeat these procedure at 40, 60 and 80 Watts
7. End of experiment

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

4.2. To demonstrate the relationship between power input and surface

temperature in forced convection

A ir F lo w

W a ttm e te r (Q )

P la t e S e n s o r

T e m p e r a t u r e In d ic a t o r

H e a te r

P ro b e
S ensor

1. Place the fan assembly on to the top of the duct

2. Place the finned heat exchanger into the duct
3. Note the ambient air temperature (tA).
4. Set the heater power control to 50 Watts (clockwise). Allow sufficient time to
achieve steady state conditions before noting the heated plate temperature (tH).
5. Set the fan speed control to give a reading of 0.5m/s on the thermal anemometer,
allow sufficient time to achieve steady state conditions. Record heated plate
temperature into Table 2.
6. Repeat this procedure at 1.0m/s and 1.5m/s
7. Plot a graph of Air Velocity (m/s) versus Temperature. ( tH tA) in Figure 2.

5.0. DATA ANALYSIS

Experiment 4.1
1). Plot a graph of Power (watts) versus Temperature (t H-tA) in Figure 1 from data in
Table 1.

Experiment 4.2
1). Plot a graph of Power (watts) versus Temperature (t H-tA) in Figure 2 from data in
Table 2.

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Matrix No : ______________________________

6.0 DATA & RESULTS

6.1. Experiment A

Ambient air temperature (tA) = ________ oC

Table 1
Input Power Finned Plate Temp tH tA
Watts (tH) C
C
20
40
60
80

6.2. Experiment B

Ambient air temperature (tA) = _______ C

Power input = 50 Watt

Table 2
Air Velocity Finned Plate Temp tH tA (C)
m/s (tH) C
0
0.5
1.0
1.5

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Matrix No : ______________________________

Figure 1

Power vs Temperature

Figure 2

Power vs Temperature

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Matrix No : ______________________________

7.0. DISCUSSION / EVALUATION & QUESTION

7.1. Briefly summarize the key results of each experiment

7.2. Explain the significance of your findings

7.3. Explain any unusual difficulties or problems which may have led to poor
results

7.4. Offer suggestions for how the experimental procedure or design could be
improved.

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

7.5. Compare your experimental values with theoretical values given

7.6. What is natural convection? How does it differ from forced convection? What
force causes free convection currents?

7.7. In which mode of heat transfer is the convection heat transfer coefficient
usually higher, natural convection or forced convection? Why?

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

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ENT 255 Heat Transfer Laboratory Module

Matrix No : ______________________________

8.0. CONCLUSION
(Based on data and discussion, make your overall conclusion by referring to experiment objective)

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